I am Abuja, capital of
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country. I am
confident about my future as a world center and
as a magnet for cultural, adventure, educational
and leisure tourism in all of Nigeria. My broad,
well maintained paved streets, attractively
landscaped boulevards and modern overpasses keep
the traffic flowing smoothly, morning, noon and
night With my wide, cinemascopic vistas in every
direction, you won't feel hemmed in by gridlock.
Being in Nigeria's heartland, I am adjacent to
Kogi, Niger, Kaduna and Nassarawa states.
Carnival week in late November showcases the
culture of all 36 states, with rhythmic,
pulsating music, exotic tribal dances, durbars
on horseback and camels from the far Sahara.
It's an unending kaleidoscope of colorful
regalia, fun activities, parade floats, tribal
masks and costumes unique to various states.
Born in 1976, I am considered a model city for
all of Africa, and one of the world's handful of
totally planned cities.

I am proud of my position
as a magnet for world class meetings and events.
For example I just finished receiving visitors
from over 60 countries, including heads of
state, at the Africa- Latin America Summit.
Visitors CommentsHere are some current comments
about my lifestyle and attractions from a
variety of U.S. visitors and residents from
other countries:

"Originally from France, I
have lived and taught school in Abuja for five
years, and appreciate the easy going lifestyle
and friendliness of the people. Here, we enjoy a
comfortable year round climate and really
appreciate the absence of mosquitoes and similar
insect pests. It's good to know that this city
is virtually malaria free."

" I was very impressed by
the recent renovations that were being made at
Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and was
pleased to learn that the Nigerian government
was really serious about improving the
infrastructure of its airports for incoming
tourists and business people."

" Your exciting Abuja
Carnival rivals those in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
and Mardis Gras in New Orleans.". Many say,
Latin America's carnivals and music originated
here in Nigeria."

"My impression of Abuja
was that it is truly a 'City of the Future' set
in a scenic environment." " Located
approximately one hour by air from Lagos, Abuja
has excellent conference and accommodation
facilities."

"Throughout Abuja there is
much construction going on and the people truly
exhibit an excitement about living in what is
perhaps the most modern city in Africa." "We
were quite surprised at the relative ease in our
processing through immigration and customs. Much
to our pleasure, we were told that both the
Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Tourism
have done an excellent job in alleviating the
extreme bottlenecks that travelers were
accustomed to experience upon arriving in
Nigeria."

Excerpts from The Guardian
(Nigeria) by Andrew Iro Okungbowa and Stella
Agbala "Here in this country where we have well
over 350 ethnic and linguistic groups, diversity
of culture, diversity of language, diversity of
foods, and unity in diversity. We owe it a duty
to ourselves, the rest of Africans and to
African in Diaspora to showcase what is
authentically Africa and what is authentically
ours."

Former President Obasanjo
said, "In the next four days, you will see the
different forms of art, dances, different
aspects of our way of life, boat regatta,
masquerades, that would be breathtaking in one
spot."

Referring to the unique
nature of the carnival, he added, "We have come
together, all as Nigerians, in one spot; we have
brought together what will take anybody who has
to go over Nigeria days and even months in a
space of few days.''

Dream Becomes RealityThe
Carnival debuted in 2005 as part of the
Government's dream to promote Nigeria as a
tourist destination and to expose Abuja, the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the world as
a promoter of tourism as well as showcase to the
world the cultural beauty and business
opportunities that abound in the country. Last
year's celebration was almost marred by outcries
and criticisms by some Nigerians, especially
religious organizations, which saw the event as
fetish and profane. But the President addressed
these charges when he informed the nation that
among others, it was meant to promote Nigeria
and her people to the global community. With
nothing short of joy and excitement, the
President said the carnival is to be entrenched
as a yearly celebration that would give people
room to explore Nigeria. Visit
www.africa-ata.org/nigeria.htm